JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST –
U.S. Army Col. Martin Klein relinquished command of the U.S. Army Support Activity Fort Dix to U.S. Army Col. James E. Martin Jr. during a ceremony here, Aug. 3.
Brenda McCullough, U.S. Army Installation Management Command director, and ASA Fort Dix Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick McKie, oversaw the proceedings and the traditional exchange of the guidon in the Timmerman Center full of Joint Base MDL service members and civic leaders, including Rep. Tom MacArthur.
In addition to leading ASA Fort Dix, Martin assumes the responsibility of Joint Base MDL deputy commander. Martin will serve alongside U.S. Air Force Col. Neil Richardson, Joint Base MDL and 87th Air Base Wing commander; and U.S. Navy Capt. Christopher Bergen, Naval Support Activity Lakehurst and Joint Base MDL deputy commander.
During his closing remarks, Klein expressed his gratitude to the Joint Base MDL community and his family.
“It has been my honor to have known you and to serve alongside you,” said Klein. “This command has given me a new found sense of respect for [not only the Soldiers], but for the Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who call this joint base home.”
After Klein had finished his farewell speech, the new deputy commander of Joint Base MDL took to the podium and addressed the crowd consisting of men and women from all Defense Department services.
“Training, preparing and deploying the force is a mission that is deeply rooted in the history of Joint Base MDL,” said Martin. “ASA Fort Dix and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will continue the legacy that allows the warfighting commander to train, prepare, mobilize and deploy forces.”
Martin, a former Infantry and Information Systems officer, previously served as deputy to the Army Reserve deputy commanding general of support.
Martin closed his speech reflecting on the past and Klein’s command, while looking to the future.
“While our history is rich, Col. Klein has positioned us to look toward the future so that ASA Fort Dix will once again provide readiness capabilities that enable the Army and joint force to meet 21st century security challenges,” said Martin. “To every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Coast Guardsman, and Department of Defense civilian: you are the very fabric of our military and our most treasured resource. You are ‘The Ultimate Weapon.’ We will support ‘The Ultimate Weapon!’”